And LaMarcus has had some big games against MEM in the past when Zach has been guarding him. Earlier this season he had a 32-point game on 10-20 FG and 9-10 FT. In the last game against MEM, he had 16 points in less than 18 minutes on 7-12 shooting before coming out of the game. But, this is the reason I said we need to have another scoring big in the game. For Aldridge to post up Zach, we need another big man who can draw Gasol out from under the basket. LaMarus had a bad shooting night in Game 1 (a very Westbrookian 32 points on 34 FGA) and came out extremely cold. After the game, he said he was rushing his shot early. If MEM is going to put Zach on Aldridge, we need to have Kaman or Leonard in the game to draw Gasol's defensive attention. Rolo and his 2 points on 0-2 shooting isn't going to get it done. I agree, we need a LOT more scoring from the SG position. Afflalo will help, and C.J. will certainly do better than 2 points on 1-8 shooting (I just chalked his poor performance up to first time starting in the playoffs). With all the talk about how badly Aldridge and Lillard played in Game 1, you're not going to beat a team like MEM when 2 of your starters combine for 4 total points on 1-10 shooting. BNM
What was Luke Babbitt doing at a Grizzlies game? The look on that kids face is priceless. We've all been there before!
That high pick would work nice if they get the big guys out of the paint. Leonard set the high pick and Lillard drive it down then pass back to the big guy for the shot (Need to bribe Lillard to pass to Leonard though) with Lamarcus out on the elbow extended. A few of those then the roll is going to work and Lamarcus could get some close in shots (if Lillard can get the pass UP to the big guys). Batum could run a few too. Then Lamarcus on the left block (sort of normal) with which ever big on him, Leonard draw the other out too the strong corner and Lillard cut to the hoop from the right wing ought to be good for a few. Then reverse it with Rolo or Leonard on the right block and cutter come down from left wing. But need to make them pay for having a wall in there first. If they insist on breaking the Grizz using the three ball, they sure better use a shooter that has the stats for it, magic isn't going to begin in April.
I don't know why teams don't pack in their defense against Memphis. Someone mentioned in another thread playing a zone and in general I think NBA teams will destroy a traditional zone but I would try it against them. Deny the entry to the low post and force them to shoot 3s. Make Conley, Pondexter, or Allen beat you. If they go to Gasol on the elbow, which I'd assume they will, I'd go small with Batum at 4, covering Gasol out there and try to strip the ball when Gasol turns to face the basket (He keeps the ball low when he pivots and it drives me crazy when I see that. Same thing when a guy grabs an offensive rebound and brings the ball down to his waist. Fundamentals, people!). On offense, I agree that you need to push the tempo. I don't really see an advantage for you exploit in a half court set so why try to force things into the strength of their team? Run, run, run. Jump passing lanes. Pressure Conley. Make the game messy, don't try to make it physical, just a frantic pace. I don't think LMA mid range jumpers will be enough and I wouldn't trust Lillard isos against conley or allen. I think Batum is the key; he needs 15-20 relatively easy points for Portland to win. And if you can get game 2 the ugly game 1 showing will be a distant memory. I'm pulling for you guys! As an aside, what is Batum's contract situation? Would you want him back? I used to really like him but now I feel like Portland would be much better with an Igoudala or Crowder type of guy. Not necessarily someone more talented, just tougher.
If Lillard shoots better, we win. Our bigs dominated their bigs in Game 1 and we outrebounded them by 8. The problem was that our starting backcourt shot 6-29.
Our starting PF/C shot 13/36 too. LA needs to be more efficient and share the rock. Even if everyone else is struggling what good is it to become a black hole?
We need to exploit them on the perimeter. Lots of movement and quick passing should provide open 3's. We just need to hit them.
I just read on ebaumsworld that in Memphis it is technically illegal for a woman to drive a car without a man walking or jogging in front of the car waiving a red flag warning approaching pedestrians and other cars. Maybe we could get this enforced and somehow distract the players who's wives will be involved
Her grizzlies jersey says "Bongo Lady" on the back and they show her at every homegame that they have the bongo cam. Hilarious and never gets old for sure!
It takes moving without the ball for 48 minutes. No camping at all. Flow offense means flow not stand there with thumb in ass. We need more than aldridge and leonard giving their all. those 2 are excluded from the rest of this post. Im not even upset anymore. Just dissapointed. This isn't rip city effort and it's a slap in the face to wesley after he worked so hard to get us here.
In the 1977 Finals against Philadelphia the Blazers were 0-2. Towards the end of game two there was the scuffle that started with Darrel Dawkins and Bobby Gross fighting over a rebound. Dawkins got rough and Maurice Lucas stepped in and slapped Dawkins upside his head. Both Lucas and Dawkins were ejected. That seemed to light a fire under the players with Portland sweeping the next 4 games. Oh - and many of you will remember before game 3 when Lucas walked over to the 76ers bench and shook Dawkins hand - the crowd roared and the rest is history. The playoffs are more mental than physical. The Blazers need to get their heads on straight! Strider
